What is VERMICULITE?

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral filler, consisting primarily of magnesium silicate and aluminum, whose appearance resembles that of mica. This ore has golden lamellar particles, arranged in inter-lamellar spaces occupied by water molecules.

When vermiculite is subjected to thermal shock, vermiculite has the unusual property of being expanded or expanded, due to the generation of steam from inter-lamellar spaces.

This phenomenon leads to the formation of particles of beige colour, very light, of shape comparable to that of an accordion.

Expansion of vermiculite

The expansion of vermiculite involves the introduction of raw vermiculite into a 1000°C oven, which results in lamellar particles: exfoliation at the right angles of the plane cleavages, and the release of water vapour from the inter-spacelamellar and accordion-shaped pellet expansion.

A good exfoliation can only be ensured with a high rate of heat transfer and a rapid generation of steam from inter-lamellar spaces. On the other hand, exfoliation must be particularly controlled. The passage time of vermiculite in the furnace shall be sufficient to ensure exfoliation, but shall be followed by immediate removal of the furnace in such a way as to avoid deterioration of the vermiculite structure, to allow pellets to regain ambient air moisture.

Vermiculite GRANUTEC® is used in a variety of areas including construction, industry, agriculture and horticulture.

What are the properties of VERMICULITE?

Vermiculite is known for its excellent fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation properties, absorbent power, high Cationic Exchange Capacity (CEC).

Vermiculite is non-combustible and can be used at temperatures not exceeding 1100°C, hence its high fire resistance.

pH value:

In the literature, the pH value of vermiculite is 7. But measuring the pH of vermiculite in aqueous solution results in the transformation of the carbonates associated with the impurities of the rock into alkali oxides and hydroxides, hence an increase in the pH of the solution.

Absorption capacity :
All grades of expanded vermiculite have the ability to absorb liquids at the inter-lamellar voids of each particle considered individually, as well as at the level of the particles between them. Hence, the absorption capacity of vermiculite varies according to grade.

Other features :
Vermiculite is fit to handle, non-abrasive, reflective, non-perishable, odourless, non-irritating and can be moulded, does not cause disease, is non-toxic, absorbs large amounts of nutrients, has good air holding capacity, does not deteriorate during storage, isolates and minimizes ground temperature fluctuation.

Absence of Asbestos :
This absence is controlled by an Approved Laboratory which provides a Certificate of Absence of Asbestos which can be communicated upon request.

Which domains use VERMICULITE?

Passive fire protection products

GRANUTEC® vermiculite is particularly suitable for fire protection, especially in the petrochemical industry and tunnel construction. Numerous official tests have confirmed the fire resistance of products made of vermiculite, ranging from prefabricated boards and panels, to fire doors, mixed and coated plasters, which can be applied manually or by spraying .

Lightweight and insulating concrete

GRANUTEC® vermiculite mixed with Portland cement and water (or a resin if necessary) in proportions that vary according to the desired strength and insulation factors produces a concrete that is light, insulating and fire-resistant. This type of concrete is used in roof or floor coverings, as well as in the manufacture of pre-molded products. It is easy to mix and lay both manually and with mechanical equipment.

Thermal and sound insulation

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite – can be used as loose fill insulation instead of conventional insulation such as glass wool, in block walls, doors, prefabricated or existing partitions, or loose fill insulation in attics and floors. Its flow properties make it very easy to install, while its insulating properties significantly reduce heat loss in winter and keep the interior cool in warm weather. It also functions as a sound insulator and against moisture transfer.

Absorbent and Packaging

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite, a practical packaging material (light, clean, non-combustible, inorganic) that easily fills the space around irregular shapes, provides good shock absorption for fragile and/or sensitive materials that need to be protected, such as hazardous chemicals, where it is also possible to protect against accidental spills of varying sizes thanks to its high absorbency.

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite can retain up to 450% of its weight in water and is also perfectly suitable for the storage of fruits, bulbs and tubers.

Coatings

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite, added to Portland cement or gypsum, produces coatings that can be applied manually or sprayed with advantages over conventional coatings:

lighter weight

better thermal insulation

better adhesion compared to a wide range of substrates

excellent fire resistance

protection against condensation

Steelworks and Foundry

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite, thanks to its intrinsic qualities (good thermal insulation, low density, natural refractory properties), combined with the simplicity of application, is an ideal covering for molten metal, which reduces the loss of calories in the ladle, tundish or ingot mould.

Friction Lining and Refractory Products

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite, which is safe for brake and clutch linings, is widely used in combination with other minerals as a substitute for asbestos.

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite, bonded with alumina cements, refractory earths and silicates, can be used for a wide range of products with a temperature range up to 1100°C on the hot side: bricks, concrete insulation, alumina bonded bricks, special shapes and boards, silicate bonded insulation shapes, moulded products, shapes and blocks.

Animal Nutrition

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite, flowable, sterile, non-irritating, non-toxic and absorbent, is the ideal carrier of a wide range of nutrients such as concentrated fat, vitamin preparation and molasses. Its high volumetric efficiency and high liquid retention combined with easy handling make it very easy to mix with other materials.

Anti-caking and anti-caking agent.

Support for finely ground dry materials.

Inert carrier for medical products and nutritious liquids.

Regulator of calorific value

Soil Improvement

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite can improve or correct soil deficiencies (e.g. lighten a clayey soil), while retaining moisture and nutrients to feed roots, shoots and seeds, ensuring rapid and maximum growth. It is a carrier and liberator of fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide.

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite has remarkable Cationic Exchange Characteristics, and can provide plants with ammonium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Horticulture and Hydroponics

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite is the ideal medium for stimulating root growth and young plant production, in sand, peat and infertile soil, regulating or controlling temperature and humidity changes. Commonly used in composts: helps aeration, improves the retention of nutrients, and improves the growth of plants.

GRANUTEC® Vermiculite is a classic hydroponic growing medium.

How is the VERMICULITE packaged and delivered?

We pack our vermiculite in 100LITRES BAGS (up to 1200 bags per truck) or 1400LITRES BIG BAGS on filmed pallets.

We can also load and deliver as BULK in SILO or DUMP TRUCKS.

Other packaging is available on request

CONTACT / MORE INFO

Contact us for more information at cmmp@cmmp.fr or by phone at 0033143874575